Annabel Angland from Peregrine has been named the Corteva Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2020, following the competition held at Otago Polytechnic Central Campus in Bannockburn.
Liam Burgess from Viticultura came in second and Jordan Moores from Felton Road was third.
There were eight contestants competing for the title – including Katrina Jackson from Chard Farm, Hannah van Velthoven from Prophets Rock, Daniel Brewster from Akarua, Annabel Wylie from Rippon and Theresa Woessner from Domaine Thomson.
“It was one of the closest competitions, we’ve ever seen,” says Regional Organiser, Nick Paulin.
Competitors were tested on all aspects of vineyard management, including trellising, pruning, machinery, pests & diseases, irrigation and budgeting. There was also a blind wine tasting and an interview.
Angland will go on to represent Central Otago in the National Final in Martinborough in October which will be held in conjunction with the 15-year celebration of the Young Vit competition.
The practical day will take place on October 7, with speeches at the conference the following day and the winner announcement at the celebration dinner.
There will be a total of six finalists, with the others coming from Northland, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, Marlborough and North Canterbury.
The national winner will receive a Hyundai Kona for a year, an Ecotrellis Travel Grant, a Corteva educational trip to Australia, Bahco golden secateurs, a leadership week and cash. There are also cash prizes from AGMARDT for the top three national finalists research projects.
“These competitions bring the whole viticultural community together,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.
“We are delighted they could still go ahead this year, despite being a little later than usual.”
Did you know?
There are 6 ways you can catch up with The Shout NZ?
Our print magazine – back in September! Subscribe here.
Online, updated daily with its own completely unique content and breaking news.
Our weekly newsletter – free to your inbox! Subscribe here.
Our digital magazines – the latest issues are online now, here and here.
We are also on Facebook and Instagram!
